Patriots Country

Patriots' Pick: Gonzalez Over Gilmore?

A new report says the New England Patriots considered bringing back cornerback Stephon Gilmore before deciding to instead select Christian Gonzalez in the NFL Draft.

Richie Whitt

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In their search for a No. 1 cornerback last offseason, the New England Patriots almost went old-school over fresh face. But in the end, they drafted Christian Gonzalez instead of trading for Stephon Gilmore.

In the wake of the departures of Gilmore (2021) and J.C. Jackson (2022) and the late-season suspension of Jack Jones, the Pats were determined to upgrade the cornerback position entering 2023. According to a report from The Athletic, that task almost led them back to Gilmore.

The Patriots were apparently interested in trading for Gilmore, whom they released late in the 2021 season. Ultimately, however, they were outbid by the Dallas Cowboys, who in March acquired him from the Indianapolis Colts for a fifth-round pick.

A month later, New England used its 17th overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Gonzalez.

“I was really excited,” Gilmore told The Athletic about his move to Dallas. “This was one of the places I wanted to come, probably my No. 1 place, so I’m happy we got it done.”

While Gonzalez' future in Foxboro lies ahead of him - he's been a standout and a starter in training camp so far - Gilmore's past led the Pats to Super Bowl LIII in the 2018 season.

He made three Pro Bowls in four seasons with the Patriots, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 with a league-leading six interceptions and 20 passes broken up. Now 33, Gilmore is with his fourth team in four seasons after stints with the Pats, Carolina Panthers and Colts.

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

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